Letter to Parents and FAQs March 19, 2020
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,
To protect the health of students and staff members, and to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, along with the San Bernardino County Superintendent’s Office, supports the Chaffey District and all districts throughout our County, to extend all school closures through at least Friday, May 1, 2020. This amended date will be evaluated at that time in hopes that a safe return is possible.
I want to thank you for your patience and support as your family is in the process of adapting to a new method of distance learning. We understand this extended closure has significant ramifications for students, but I want to assure you that we are committed to continuing instruction in each of your courses. Please check in with your teacher daily, using the directions they provided to you, and work diligently to complete the educational opportunities they provide.
During this difficult time, it is critical that we do our part to “flatten the curve” by honoring the recommendations issued by federal, state, and local officials, primarily by practicing social distancing, avoiding public places, and limiting contact with others to prevent the spread of this virus.
We are in this together, and I am confident we will navigate this historic situation successfully.
Please take time to enjoy your families and take care of yourselves during Spring Break, and be prepared to return to the education that will be provided for you on March 30, 2020.
Mathew Holton, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Chaffey Joint Union High School District
Dear CJUHSD Families,
The impacts of the coronavirus are touching every aspect of our lives and forcing all of us to find creative ways to adapt to this unprecedented situation. We know the disruption in normal school operations has created many issues and uncertainties for you and your families, from childcare and meals to graduation plans and college preparation. In this letter, we will answer some of your most pressing questions related to these concerns as best as we can at this time.
Please be advised, the information provided below may be subject to change as we receive further guidance from State and County officials.
When will school reopen?
In coordination with the San Bernardino County Office of Education, the San Bernardino County Superintendent’s Office and other San Bernardino County school districts, the Chaffey Joint Union High School District will keep our schools closed at least through Friday, May 1. Our new target date to reopen is Monday, May 4. As you know, things are changing daily, so there is the potential that the closures could be extended beyond May 1. On March 17, California Governor Gavin Newsom advised parents to prepare for the possibility that schools may be closed through the summer break. While that could indeed happen, we remain hopeful that conditions will improve enough to allow us to reopen before the end of the school year.
Are school sites and the District office open and how can I get updated information?
Although schools and district offices will be closed to students until May 1, we will have a limited number of staff members available who can address the needs of our students and families between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, unless we are otherwise directed to discontinue or limit the hours we are open. You may also call the District or school site offices during those hours for updated information, excluding our scheduled Spring Break during the week of March 23-27.
We encourage you to visit the website or Twitter often for up-to-date information about our temporary school closures.
Will graduation ceremonies be held?
Like all of you, we want nothing more than to honor our students for their accomplishments. The thought of graduation ceremonies being canceled is heartbreaking, and we will do all we can to make them happen. At this time, we have not canceled or postponed our graduation ceremonies. In the event that the current public health concerns continue, we will explore future dates to recognize our students for their achievements.
Will distance learning be provided for students at home?
We are currently providing distance learning for our students. Prior to the closure, our staff began the coordination and planning to provide high-quality distance learning with equitable access for all students, including those with special needs. Being mindful of student access to technology, our teachers are being flexible with assignments and submission dates, and coordinating with families on a case-by-case basis if technology is limited or not available. Our teachers continue to adapt to this new model of providing instruction.
What if my child does not have a chrome book, a text, or other materials he or she needs?
In response to the extended closure, each school has developed a plan to make resources available to students. To date, over 1,500 Chromebooks have been checked out to students District-wide. Please contact your school for more details about how to acquire a device for your student if one is needed.
Will distance learning work be graded?
Teachers of the CJUHSD are applying flexibility and understanding as students are confronted with the ever-changing and challenging demands of life at home during the pandemic. With this in mind, we want our students to continue to engage in learning on a daily basis to continue their academic goals and objectives. Our teachers are determined to support students as they work to successfully complete their courses to earn full credit toward graduation.
Are students required to participate in remote learning?
Our distance learning began on Monday, March 16, and most students have been participating on a daily basis. It’s important that students engage daily, to the greatest extent possible, so that they can make progress toward achieving the academic goals in each class. However, we understand some families may have situations that make participation difficult; we are prepared to discuss those situations on a case-by-case basis. Teachers will continue to reach out to students who have not participated to ensure that a plan is developed that will allow them to engage in distance learning. Please contact your school if your student is experiencing difficulty accessing the materials they need to complete their coursework.
How do I contact my student’s counselor or teacher?
Our counselors are skilled at assisting students experiencing personal difficulties and their help during our closure will be invaluable to our students’ well-being. A counselor from each school is available to answer questions on our dedicated Counselor Line during the hours of 8:00 am - 2:00 pm Monday-Friday. Counselors can advise students in a variety of ways and they will field student calls related to academic, career, post-secondary, personal, and social issues. During the school closure some students may be struggling with additional issues related to isolation. Counselors can make referrals or consult with therapists and psychologists during our closure.
Your student should already have a means of connecting with each of their teachers, either through SchoolLoop or through their Google Classroom. If a student is having difficulty connecting with a teacher, please contact the school site to support communication with the teacher.
What’s happening with SAT, ACT, AP, and CAASPP testing?
SAT and AP: The College Board, which administers the SAT, has canceled the March 28 makeup and May 2 SAT test dates and has said they will provide refunds to families who were registered to take those assessments. The next SAT test date is June 6 with a registration deadline of May 27. The College Board is also working on remote learning for AP students and a plan to allow AP tests to be taken at home. The situation is changing frequently, so please see their latest updates on the College Board COVID-19 website.
ACT: The April 4th ACT test date has been rescheduled to June 13. Please get the latest information on the ACT COVID-19 website.
CAASPP: Governor Newsom signed an executive order suspending this year's statewide testing (CAASPP) for all California K-12 students due to the pandemic. This suspension does require federal approval, and we will keep all of our families updated on these developments.
Will school meals continue to be provided?
Yes. The CJUHSD will continue to provide school meals for our students. Below is a list of CJUHSD locations for Grab-and-Go lunches (and next day’s breakfast) that students can pick-up between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Grab-and-Go lunches are available at: Alta Loma High School, Chaffey High School, Colony High School, Etiwanda High School, Los Osos High School, Montclair High School, Ontario High School, and Rancho Cucamonga High School.
Alternative Education Center students may pick up meals at the school location nearest to them. Meals will still be provided through spring break. Schools are also making arrangements to help with emergency food for students in crisis. Please contact your school if you are struggling with food security issues.
Please know there are dedicated teachers, administrators, and support staff working hard to provide for your students’ academic needs and overall wellbeing during these challenging times. This situation is evolving rapidly, and we will continue to share new information with you as we have it. For the latest updates, please visit the CJUHSD COVID-19 page.
Letter to Parents March 19, 2020 Spanish (PDF)
FAQs March 19, 2020 Spanish (PDF)
Letter to Parents March 19, 2020 (PDF)
FAQs March 19, 2020 (PDF)
COVID Resources (PDF)
Community Resources
Call Your School's Counselor Line and Talk to a Counselor
San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health: Coping with Stress and Anxiety
Letter to parents regarding school closure - March 13, 2020
Letter to Parents March 13, 2020 (PDF)
Letter to Parents Spanish March 13, 2020 (PDF)
Message to parents and staff - March 12, 2020 5:30pm
Message to Parents and Staff March 12, 2020 5:30PM (PDF)
Message to Parents and Staff March 12, 2020 5:30PM Spanish (PDF)
Email to parents and staff - March 12, 2020
Email to Parents and Staff March 12, 2020 (PDF)
Email to parents - March 10, 2020
Email to Parents March 10, 2020 (PDF)
Email to Parents (Spanish) March 10, 2020 (PDF)
Letter to parents - March 3, 2020
Letter to Parents (English) March 3, 2020 PDF
Letter to Parents (Spanish) March 3, 2020 PDF
Public Health Notice (coronavirus)
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About Us
Mission Statement
Chaffey Adult School is dedicated to delivering a high quality and effective adult education program to the adults of our community, providing educational experiences for adults in need of basic academic skills, and assisting in enhancing their employability.
Vision Statement
After completing an informed and goal driven program of study, Chaffey Adult School students will successfully transition to continuing education, additional training or advancement in the workforce.
